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Vázquez D, Maulhardt SR, Stalnaker TA, Solway A, Charpentier CJ, Roesch MR. Optogenetic Inhibition of Rat Anterior Cingulate Cortex Impairs the Ability to Initiate and Stay on Task. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1850232024. [PMID: 38569923 PMCID: PMC11097287 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1850-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Our prior research has identified neural correlates of cognitive control in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), leading us to hypothesize that the ACC is necessary for increasing attention as rats flexibly learn new contingencies during a complex reward-guided decision-making task. Here, we tested this hypothesis by using optogenetics to transiently inhibit the ACC, while rats of either sex performed the same two-choice task. ACC inhibition had a profound impact on behavior that extended beyond deficits in attention during learning when expected outcomes were uncertain. We found that ACC inactivation slowed and reduced the number of trials rats initiated and impaired both their accuracy and their ability to complete sessions. Furthermore, drift-diffusion model analysis suggested that free-choice performance and evidence accumulation (i.e., reduced drift rates) were degraded during initial learning-leading to weaker associations that were more easily overridden in later trial blocks (i.e., stronger bias). Together, these results suggest that in addition to attention-related functions, the ACC contributes to the ability to initiate trials and generally stay on task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Vázquez
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
- Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
| | - Sean R Maulhardt
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
| | - Thomas A Stalnaker
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Alec Solway
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
- Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
| | - Caroline J Charpentier
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
- Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
| | - Matthew R Roesch
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
- Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
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Predescu E, Vaidean T, Rapciuc AM, Sipos R. Metabolomic Markers in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among Children and Adolescents-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4385. [PMID: 38673970 PMCID: PMC11050195 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), characterized by clinical diversity, poses diagnostic challenges often reliant on subjective assessments. Metabolomics presents an objective approach, seeking biomarkers for precise diagnosis and targeted interventions. This review synthesizes existing metabolomic insights into ADHD, aiming to reveal biological mechanisms and diagnostic potentials. A thorough PubMed and Web of Knowledge search identified studies exploring blood/urine metabolites in ADHD-diagnosed or psychometrically assessed children and adolescents. Synthesis revealed intricate links between ADHD and altered amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter dysregulation (especially dopamine and serotonin), oxidative stress, and the kynurenine pathway impacting neurotransmitter homeostasis. Sleep disturbance markers, notably in melatonin metabolism, and stress-induced kynurenine pathway activation emerged. Distinct metabolic signatures, notably in the kynurenine pathway, show promise as potential diagnostic markers. Despite limitations like participant heterogeneity, this review underscores the significance of integrated therapeutic approaches targeting amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitters, and stress pathways. While guiding future research, this overview of the metabolomic findings in ADHD suggests directions for precision diagnostics and personalized ADHD interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Predescu
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Pediatric Psychiatry, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 57 Republicii Street, 400489 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Tudor Vaidean
- Clinic of Pediatric Psychiatry and Addiction, Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 57 Republicii Street, 400489 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Andreea-Marlena Rapciuc
- Clinical Department of Nephrology, County Emergency Clinical Hospital Cluj, 3-5 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Roxana Sipos
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Pediatric Psychiatry, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 57 Republicii Street, 400489 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Wang C, Shen Y, Cheng M, Zhu Z, Lv Y, Zhang X, Feng Z, Yang Z, Zhao X. Cortical gray-white matter contrast abnormalities in male children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1303230. [PMID: 38188507 PMCID: PMC10768013 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1303230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Presently, research concerning alterations in brain structure among individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) predominantly focuses on entire brain volume and cortical thickness. In this study, we extend our examination to the cortical microstructure of male children with ADHD. To achieve this, we employ the gray-white matter tissue contrast (GWC) metric, allowing for an assessment of modifications in gray matter density and white matter microstructure. Furthermore, we explore the potential connection between GWC and the severity of disorder in male children by ADHD. Methods We acquired 3DT1 sequences from the public ADHD-200 database. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis between 43 male children diagnosed with ADHD and 50 age-matched male controls exhibiting typical development trajectories. Our investigation entailed assessing differences in GWC and cortical thickness. Additionally, we explored the potential correlation between GWC and the severity of ADHD. To delineate the cerebral landscape, each hemisphere was subdivided into 34 cortical regions using freesurfer 7.2.0. For quantification, GWC was computed by evaluating the intensity contrast of non-normalized T1 images above and below the gray-white matter interface. Results Our findings unveiled elevated GWC within the bilateral lingual, bilateral insular, left transverse temporal, right parahippocampal and right pericalcarine regions in male children with ADHD when contrasted with their healthy counterparts. Moreover, the cortical thickness in the ADHD group no notable distinctions that of control group in all areas. Intriguingly, the GWC of left transverse temporal demonstrated a negative correlation with the extent of inattention experienced by male children with ADHD. Conclusion Utilizing GWC as a metric facilitates a more comprehensive assessment of microstructural brain changes in children with ADHD. The fluctuations in GWC observed in specific brain regions might serve as a neural biomarker, illuminating structural modifications in male children grappling with ADHD. This perspective enriches our comprehension of white matter microstructure and cortical density in these children. Notably, the inverse correlation between the GWC of the left transverse temporal and inattention severity underscores the potential role of structural and functional anomalies within this region in ADHD progression. Enhancing our insight into ADHD-related brain changes holds significant promise in deciphering potential neuropathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhao Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neuroimaging, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanyong Shen
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neuroimaging, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Meiying Cheng
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neuroimaging, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zitao Zhu
- Medicine Division, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Lv
- Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Joint International Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Henan Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoxue Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neuroimaging, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhanqi Feng
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neuroimaging, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhexuan Yang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neuroimaging, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neuroimaging, Zhengzhou, China
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Mora Álvarez MG, Hölzel BK, Bremer B, Wilhelm M, Hell E, Tavacioglu EE, Koch K, Torske A. Effects of web-based mindfulness training on psychological outcomes, attention, and neuroplasticity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22635. [PMID: 38114554 PMCID: PMC10730881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48706-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation training (MMT) reliably reduces stress and anxiety while also improving attention. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between MMT, stress and anxiety reduction, and its impact upon improvements in attention on the behavioral and neuronal levels. As a second aim, we sought to explore any relationship between MMT, attention, and modified states of mind such as flow. 118 healthy, meditation-naïve, participants were either assigned to a 31-day, web-based, MMT or an active control, health training (HT). Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing the attention network test (ANT) to assess functional and behavioural attentional changes, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess microstructural neuronal changes and completed relevant questionnaires to explore changes in psychological outcomes. Results confirmed a reduction in perceived stress and anxiety levels in the MMT group and significant improvements in the overall reaction time during the ANT, albeit no specific effects on the attentional components were observed. No statistically significant changes were found in the HT group. Interestingly, a significant group-by-time interaction was seen in flow experience. Functional data exhibited an increased activity in the superior frontal gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex, and right hippocampus during the alerting condition of the ANT after the MMT; decreased stress and trait anxiety were significantly correlated with the activation in the right hippocampus, and increased flow was also significantly correlated with all the aforementioned areas. DTI data showed increased fractional anisotropy values in the right uncinate fasciculus indicating white matter microarchitecture improvement between the right hippocampus and frontal areas of the brain. This study, therefore, demonstrates the effectiveness of web-based MMT on overall well-being and attentional performance, while also providing insight into the relationship between psychological outcomes, attention, and neuroplastic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Guadalupe Mora Álvarez
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Britta Karen Hölzel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benno Bremer
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian Wilhelm
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elena Hell
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ebru Ecem Tavacioglu
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Koch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Alyssa Torske
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
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Zhu Z, Lei D, Qin K, Tallman MJ, Patino LR, Fleck DE, Gong Q, Sweeney JA, DelBello MP, McNamara RK. Cortical and subcortical structural differences in psychostimulant-free ADHD youth with and without a family history of bipolar I disorder: a cross-sectional morphometric comparison. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:368. [PMID: 38036505 PMCID: PMC10689449 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02667-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a family history of bipolar I disorder (BD) are associated with increased risk for developing BD, their neuroanatomical substrates remain poorly understood. This study compared cortical and subcortical gray matter morphology in psychostimulant-free ADHD youth with and without a first-degree relative with BD and typically developing healthy controls. ADHD youth (ages 10-18 years) with ('high-risk', HR) or without ('low-risk', LR) a first-degree relative with BD and healthy comparison youth (HC) were enrolled. High-resolution 3D T1-weighted images were acquired using a Philips 3.0 T MR scanner. The FreeSurfer image analysis suite was used to measure cortical thickness, surface area, and subcortical volumes. A general linear model evaluated group differences in MRI features with age and sex as covariates, and exploratory correlational analyses evaluated associations with symptom ratings. A total of n = 142 youth (mean age: 14.16 ± 2.54 years, 35.9% female) were included in the analysis (HC, n = 48; LR, n = 49; HR, n = 45). The HR group exhibited a more severe symptom profile, including higher mania and dysregulation scores, compared to the LR group. For subcortical volumes, the HR group exhibited smaller bilateral thalamic, hippocampal, and left caudate nucleus volumes compared to both LR and HC, and smaller right caudate nucleus compared with LR. No differences were found between LR and HC groups. For cortical surface area, the HR group exhibited lower parietal and temporal surface area compared with HC and LR, and lower orbitofrontal and superior frontal surface area compared to LR. The HR group exhibited lower left anterior cingulate surface area compared with HC. LR participants exhibited greater right pars opercularis surface area compared with the HC. Some cortical alterations correlated with symptom severity ratings. These findings suggest that ADHD in youth with a BD family history is associated with a more a severe symptom profile and a neuroanatomical phenotype that distinguishes it from ADHD without a BD family history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Zhu
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, 45219, OH, USA
| | - Du Lei
- College of Medical Informatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China.
| | - Kun Qin
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, 45219, OH, USA
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
- Department of Radiology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442012, PR China
| | - Maxwell J Tallman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, 45219, OH, USA
| | - L Rodrigo Patino
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, 45219, OH, USA
| | - David E Fleck
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, 45219, OH, USA
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
- Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, 361021, Fujian, PR China.
| | - John A Sweeney
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, 45219, OH, USA
| | - Melissa P DelBello
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, 45219, OH, USA
| | - Robert K McNamara
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, 45219, OH, USA
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Uğurpala C, Tükel R, Ziylan EÇ, Ertekin E, Berberoğlu E. Social Cognition and Functioning in Patients With Social Anxiety Disorder and/or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:828-834. [PMID: 37432028 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In recent years, social cognition and one of its dimensions, the theory of mind, have been more commonly investigated in patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this study, SAD, ADHD, comorbid SAD-ADHD, and healthy control (HC) groups, each consisting of 30 participants, were included and compared in terms of social cognition and functionality. Mean global functioning assessment scores were found to be significantly higher in the HC group compared with the other three groups and in the ADHD group compared with the SAD and SAD-ADHD groups. Mean Dokuz Eylül Theory of Mind Index total scores were found to be significantly higher in the HC group compared with the other three groups and in the SAD and SAD-ADHD groups compared with the ADHD group. These findings suggest that SAD patients with or without ADHD show better social cognition but worse functioning compared with pure ADHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Uğurpala
- Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Çapa, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Raşit Tükel
- Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Çapa, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ege Çağın Ziylan
- Physiology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Beykent University Faculty of Medicine, Beykent University, Büyükçekmece, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erhan Ertekin
- Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Çapa, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ertuğ Berberoğlu
- Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Çapa, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
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Pagán AF, Huizar YP, Short TR, Gotcher Z, Schmidt AT. Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a Narrative Review of Biological Mechanisms, Treatments, and Outcomes. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023:10.1007/s11910-023-01280-4. [PMID: 37335460 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01280-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous and complex neurodevelopmental disorder related to disruptions in various neuronal structures and pathways, dopamine (DA) transporter, and receptor genes, resulting in cognitive and regulation deficits. This article reviews recent research on the biological mechanisms and markers, clinical manifestations, treatments, and outcomes of adult ADHD as well as current controversies within the field. RECENT FINDINGS New research identifies white matter disruptions in multiple cortical pathways in adults with ADHD. New treatments for ADHD in adults such as viloxazine ER have shown preliminary effectiveness in addition to research showing transcranial direct current stimulation can be an effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Although questions exist about the effectiveness of current assessments of and treatments for adult ADHD, recent findings represent a step towards improving the quality of life and outcomes for individuals experiencing this life-long, chronic health condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio F Pagán
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Psychological Sciences Building, 2700 18th St, Lubbock, TX, 79410, USA.
| | - Yazmine P Huizar
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Psychological Sciences Building, 2700 18th St, Lubbock, TX, 79410, USA
| | - Tucker R Short
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Psychological Sciences Building, 2700 18th St, Lubbock, TX, 79410, USA
| | - Zoe Gotcher
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Psychological Sciences Building, 2700 18th St, Lubbock, TX, 79410, USA
| | - Adam T Schmidt
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Psychological Sciences Building, 2700 18th St, Lubbock, TX, 79410, USA
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